Immigration under New Labour

Paper $40.95ISBN: 9781861349675
Published
September 2007
For sale in North and South America only

Cloth $100.00ISBN: 9781861349682
Published
September 2007
For sale in North and South America only

Lurid headlines on every aspect of migration have been a consistent feature of the last decade, from worries over asylum seekers to concerns about unprecedented economic immigration from Eastern Europe.This book presents the first comprehensive account of government policy on immigration over the last ten years, providing an in-depth analysis of policy and legislation since Tony Blair and New Labour were first elected. The account begins by placing policy change under Labour in their proper historical context, before examining the key policy themes - economic migration; security; integration; asylum; delivery - of the last decade.Through an analysis of such policy themes, the author contends that immigration policy has undergone an intense and innovative transformation in the period from May 1997 to May 2007. Arguing that a more plural system of governance exists, the author challenges traditional accounts of policy development. By addressing the various influences on immigration policymaking, from globalisation, the European Union and the law, to politics, the media and the networks of special interests, he seeks to provide a holistic explanation for the transformation of immigration policy. The author concludes with an evaluation of Labour's immigration reforms, and whether government policy can be judged a success.The book will be of interest to policymakers, academics, students studying immigration, and readers interested in serious current affairs.

Part One: Policy themes (1997-2007) Managed migration Security: powers to combat the 'illegal' threat Integration: a new pivot for policy? The vicious cycle of asylum policy Delivery: non-stop reform A new direction

Part Two: Influences on policy The new global marketplace The law and policy The European Union Networks: the engine room of policy development Politicians and parties Public attitudes The media: policy in the furnace Officials: policy at the frontline A fresh perspective on policy change

Part Three: Evaluating Labour's record Evaluating immigration policy making Targets of restriction: asylum (and security) Integration: a consistent record of failure? Delivery Economic migration: has the vision been realised? Outside of the circle: international development

Conclusion

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